What steps should be taken for unresponsive adult drowning victims?

When responding to unresponsive adult drowning victims, the most effective and immediate action is to call for help and then start CPR. The rationale behind this approach lies in the urgency of treating a drowning victim, who is at high risk of suffering from severe oxygen deprivation due to the lack of breathing.

Calling for help ensures that emergency medical services are on their way, which is crucial for further treatment once CPR has been initiated. Starting CPR immediately is vital because it helps maintain blood circulation and oxygenation to vital organs, significantly increasing the chances of survival. It is important to perform CPR with high-quality chest compressions and rescue breaths if the trained individual is comfortable and it is safe to do so.

In contrast, providing abdominal thrusts first is not appropriate in this scenario, as it is designed for choking victims and may not address the immediate need for resuscitation due to drowning. Assessing their airway before calling for help could delay the necessary interventions, putting the victim at risk. Waiting for medical help to arrive without taking any action is not advisable, as every second counts in such emergencies, and immediate CPR can make a significant difference in the outcome.